Sinus infections stem from a variety of causes, including colds, flu and allergies. Sinus cavity linings swell, trapping mucus -- as well as germs -- in your nasal passageways, impeding breathing. Though not a cure for an infection, acupressure, or the stimulation of specific points on the body, may help alleviate sinus pressure and pain. An acupressure practitioner may select a variety of points, depending on your symptoms.
Sinus inflammation in your sinuses is called sinusitis. Located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes, sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull lined with mucus membranes. Mucus and air flow through these spaces when you're healthy. If membranes swell or excess mucus builds up, passages become blocked, impeding your ability to breathe. Bacteria is also trapped, potentially exacerbating symptoms. Fatigue, fever, headache, congestion and coughing are typical symptoms of sinusitis. Treatment may include antibiotics, allergy medications and over-the-counter decongestants. Typically, an acute sinus infection lasts up to four weeks, while chronic sinusitis can linger for over a year.
Local Points: Local points, or points close to the affected areas of the body, are often used in acupressure treatment. For sinusitis, these points lie on the face, surrounding the eyes and nose. Three such points are bladder three, large intestine 20 and stomach three. Bladder point three is found at the inside edge of each eyebrow, and may help relieve sinus congestion, frontal headaches and tired eyes. Large intestine 20 and stomach three are near each other, and can be pressed simultaneously. Large intestine 20 is located next to the outer edge of each nostril, while stomach three sits below each cheekbone, aligned with each pupil.
Distal Points: Choosing distal acupressure points, or points on unaffected parts of the body, may also help promote symptom relief. Stomach point 36 is, according to Peter Deadman's "A Manual of Acupuncture," one of the most vital acupuncture points on the body. Located on the leg, about 3 inches below the knee and to the outside of the shin bone, this point is recommended for colds and sinus symptoms involving excess mucus. Lung point five is also used to reduce phlegm as well as asthma, wheezing and sore throat. Your practitioner may ask you to bend your arm, locating the point at the elbow crease and to the outside of the visible tendon.
Back of the Head: Massaging points on the back of the head can also help alleviate sinus pressure and associated aches and pains. Accupressure.com recommends placing your thumbs under the base of your skull, keeping them approximately 2 to 3 inches apart, and gradually applying pressure. You can tilt your head back to increase the pressure. Hold this position for up to a minute before releasing. You can also press your fingers into the spot just above your spine, at the base of the skull. Known as governing vessel 16, this point is used for cold symptoms, headache and difficulty breathing.
As seen on: http://www.livestrong.com/article/515305-acupressure-for-sinus-infections/
Sinus inflammation in your sinuses is called sinusitis. Located behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes, sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull lined with mucus membranes. Mucus and air flow through these spaces when you're healthy. If membranes swell or excess mucus builds up, passages become blocked, impeding your ability to breathe. Bacteria is also trapped, potentially exacerbating symptoms. Fatigue, fever, headache, congestion and coughing are typical symptoms of sinusitis. Treatment may include antibiotics, allergy medications and over-the-counter decongestants. Typically, an acute sinus infection lasts up to four weeks, while chronic sinusitis can linger for over a year.
Local Points: Local points, or points close to the affected areas of the body, are often used in acupressure treatment. For sinusitis, these points lie on the face, surrounding the eyes and nose. Three such points are bladder three, large intestine 20 and stomach three. Bladder point three is found at the inside edge of each eyebrow, and may help relieve sinus congestion, frontal headaches and tired eyes. Large intestine 20 and stomach three are near each other, and can be pressed simultaneously. Large intestine 20 is located next to the outer edge of each nostril, while stomach three sits below each cheekbone, aligned with each pupil.
Distal Points: Choosing distal acupressure points, or points on unaffected parts of the body, may also help promote symptom relief. Stomach point 36 is, according to Peter Deadman's "A Manual of Acupuncture," one of the most vital acupuncture points on the body. Located on the leg, about 3 inches below the knee and to the outside of the shin bone, this point is recommended for colds and sinus symptoms involving excess mucus. Lung point five is also used to reduce phlegm as well as asthma, wheezing and sore throat. Your practitioner may ask you to bend your arm, locating the point at the elbow crease and to the outside of the visible tendon.
Back of the Head: Massaging points on the back of the head can also help alleviate sinus pressure and associated aches and pains. Accupressure.com recommends placing your thumbs under the base of your skull, keeping them approximately 2 to 3 inches apart, and gradually applying pressure. You can tilt your head back to increase the pressure. Hold this position for up to a minute before releasing. You can also press your fingers into the spot just above your spine, at the base of the skull. Known as governing vessel 16, this point is used for cold symptoms, headache and difficulty breathing.
As seen on: http://www.livestrong.com/article/515305-acupressure-for-sinus-infections/
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